CraftyJack writes: JPL reports that the Phoenix lander has entered safe mode due to a low-power fault brought on by worsening weather conditions. This could be the beginning of the end for this limited-life lander.

CraftyJack writes: The New York Times has an article on research practices within the pharmaceutical industry. Dr. Joseph S. Ross of the Mount Sinai School of Medicine charges that Merck had important research studies ghostwritten and then handed to big-name doctors for signature. Big-name doctors doth protest.

CraftyJack writes: Alan Stern, Associate Administrator for the Science Mission Directorate, is leaving NASA. Little explanation is being offered. Among other things, Alan Stern was pushing for more fiscal responsibility within SMD, and sought to curb cost overruns.